Jwaneng Diamond Mine
Botswana's most valuable diamond mine, now preparing to go underground to keep producing into the 2050s.
Jwaneng is an open-pit diamond mine in southern Botswana operated by Debswana, a 50:50 joint venture between the Government of Botswana and De Beers. De Beers describes it as the world's greatest diamond mine, and it supplies nearly half of the carats De Beers produces each year. The current open pit, deepened through the Cut-9 project, is expected to reach its limit around 2034. Debswana is developing an underground mine, estimated at about US$6 billion in total, which the company says could keep Jwaneng operating until 2054, matching the licence extension agreed between Botswana and De Beers in 2025.
- 01Sustain open-pit production through the Cut-9 pushback until the pit reaches its limit around 2034
- 02Develop an underground mine to extend Jwaneng's life to 2054
- 03Increase the share of value that stays in Botswana under the 2025 De Beers sales agreement
- 04Adjust output to diamond market demand while protecting the long-term resource
- 05Use diamond revenues to fund Botswana's public finances and economic diversification
1982 · completed
Production Start
Jwaneng began producing diamonds after the discovery of its kimberlite pipes beneath the Kalahari sands in the 1970s.
2010s · completed
Cut-8 Expansion
A major pit pushback extended open-pit mining at the deepest part of the orebody.
2018 · completed
Cut-9 Approved
Debswana approved the Cut-9 pushback, designed to yield an estimated 50-53 million carats and extend open-pit life to about 2035.
2024 · completed
Production Cut
Debswana reduced output by 27% across its mines to about 17.9 million carats as diamond demand weakened.
2025 · completed
Licence Extension
A new agreement between Botswana and De Beers extended Debswana's mining licences from 2029 to 2054.
2034 · upcoming
Move Underground
The open pit is expected to reach its limit, with underground mining planned to take over.
Mineral Resource
Kimberlite Orebody
Several kimberlite pipes that make Jwaneng one of the world's most valuable diamond deposits.
Mining Infrastructure
Cut-9 Pushback
Open-pit expansion expected to yield roughly 50-53 million carats from about 44 million tonnes of ore.
Mining Infrastructure
Underground Project
Planned underground mine, estimated at about US$6 billion in total, with an initial phase for exploration access development.
Project Owner
Debswana Joint Venture
50:50 partnership between the Government of Botswana and De Beers.
- Large-scale open-pit mining of kimberlite pipes
- Pit deepening by successive cutbacks (Cut-8, Cut-9)
- Underground block or sublevel caving (planned)
- Dense media separation and X-ray diamond recovery
- Exploration access development for the underground mine
What it means for the community
Diamonds are Botswana's main export and a major source of government revenue, and Jwaneng is the most important single source. Debswana's output cuts in 2024 and 2025, made in response to weak demand, showed how closely Botswana's economy follows the diamond market. The underground project and the 2025 licence extension are meant to secure jobs and revenue for another generation.
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- Government of Botswana (50%, through Debswana)
- De Beers (50%, through Debswana)
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